SCCNFP/0505/01, final
OPINION OF THE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON COSMETIC PRODUCTS AND NON-FOOD
PRODUCTS INTENDED FOR CONSUMERS
CONCERNING
LAWSONIA INERMIS, HENNA
COLIPA n° C169
adopted by the SCCNFP during the 21st Plenary meeting
of 17 September 2002
1.
Terms of Reference
SCCNFP/0505/01, final
Evaluation and opinion on : Lawsonia inermis, Henna
____________________________________________________________________________________________
1.1
Context of the question
The adaptation to technical progress of the Annexes to Council Directive 76/768/EEC of 27 July
1976 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to cosmetic products.
1.2
Request to the SCCNFP
The SCCNFP is requested to answer the following questions :
*
Can Lawsonia inermis derived from the dried leaves of the mentioned plant be safely used
in cosmetic hair dye formulations?
*
Does the SCCNFP propose any restrictions or conditions for its intended use?
1.3
Statement on the toxicological evaluation
The SCCNFP is the scientific advisory body to the European Commission in matters of
consumer protection with respect to cosmetics and non-food products intended for consumers.
The Commission’s general policy regarding research on animals supports the development of
alternative methods to replace or to reduce animal testing when possible. In this context, the
SCCNFP has a specific working group on alternatives to animal testing which, in co-operation
with other Commission services such as ECVAM (European Centre for Validation of Alternative
Methods), evaluates these methods.
The extent to which these validated methods are applicable to cosmetic products and its
ingredients is a matter of the SCCNFP.
SCCNFP opinions include evaluations of experiments using laboratory animals; such tests are
conducted in accordance with all legal provisions and preferably under chemical law regulations.
Only in cases where no alternative method is available will such tests be evaluated and the
resulting data accepted, in order to meet the fundamental requirements of the protection of
consumer health.
2.
Toxicological Evaluation and Characterisation
2
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Evaluation and opinion on : Lawsonia inermis, Henna
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2.1.
General
2.1.1.
Primary names
Here are considered in practice two different cosmetic ingredients :
Lawsonia inermis with EINECS n° 284-854-1 corresponding to extracts and their
physically modified derivatives from Lawsonia inermis, Lythraceae,
Henna with EINECS n° 201-496-3 corresponding to 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, the main
active ingredient present at 1 to 2 % in the dried leaves of the plant.
2.1.2.
Chemical names
/
2.1.3.
Trade names and abbreviations
Henna extract
Henna powder
2.1.4.
Henna Rot
CAS no.
84988-66-9
83-72-7
2.1.5.
Hennapulver
Lawsonia alba
(Lawsonia inermis)
(Henna)
Structural formula
Not applicable
2.1.6.
Empirical formula
Emp. Formula
Mol weight
2.1.7.
:
:
/
/
Purity, composition and substance codes
Specifications (source, form, preparation and chemical characteristics) are incomplete.
2.1.8.
Physical properties
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Subst. Code
Appearance
Melting point
Boiling point
Density
Rel. vap. dens.
Vapour Press.
Log Pow
2.1.9.
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
/
greenish powder
/
/
/
/
/
/
Solubility
No data available
2.2.
Function and uses
Lawsonia inermis, syn. Henna, represents a natural material derived from powdered dried leaves
of the specified plant. It is mainly used as a hair dye, based on the staining properties of the main
active ingredient Lawsone.
A hair dye formulation contains a maximum of 20% Henna powder suspended in 80 % water.
TOXICOLOGICAL CHARACTERISATION
2.3.
Toxicity
2.3.1.
Acute oral toxicity
An acute oral toxicity study of Henna Rot was performed in the Sprague-Dawley Rat according
to the OECD Guideline N°401 (1981).
The calculated oral median lethal dose was > 2000 mg/kg bw.
Ref. : 1
2.3.2.
Acute dermal toxicity
An acute dermal toxicity study of Henna Rot was conducted in the Wistar Rat according to
OECD Guideline N°402 (1987).
Median lethal dose for Henna Rot was > 2000 mg/kg bw.
Ref. : 2
2.3.3.
Sub-chronic oral toxicity
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Evaluation and opinion on : Lawsonia inermis, Henna
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A 13-week oral toxicity study was conducted in Sprague-Dawley rats (4 groups of 10 rats per
sex) with a 0.5 % aqueous methylcellulose solution of Henna Rot administered once daily by
gavage according to the OECD Guideline N° 408. The treated animals received the test
substance corresponding to daily dosage of 40, 200 and 1000 mg/kg body weight. Control
animals received the vehicle alone under the same conditions. In addition, 10 males and
10 females were included in the control and high dose group for a 4-week recovery period.
No mortality was observed during the study. In the high dose group, 2/40 animals occasionally
presented signs of poor clinical condition (loud breathing, piloerection) and 6/20 males presented
ptyalism from week 9 or 11 onwards. Brown urine and/or tail was noted in almost all animals.
All clinical signs were reversible after 4-weeks recovery period, except for brown-coloured tail.
In the high dose group, the hair and body extremities as well as the fore-stomach and the mucosa
of the bladder were coloured orange related to the staining properties of the test substance. Mean
food consumption and body weight gain of the treated males were in the range of controls ; mean
body weight gain of the females given 40 or 1000 mg/kg/day was slightly lower than that of
control but this finding was not dose-dependent and was not considered by investigators to be
treatment-related. Neither treatment-related ophthalmological abnormalities nor effects in
clinical chemistry (blood biochemistry, urinalysis) were noted in any treated group.
Concerning haematological parameters, slightly lower erythrocyte count and haemoglobin were
noted in the high dose group when compared to the control values, these differences were
considered of no toxicological importance by the investigators. In the highest dose group,
statistically significant higher mean kidney and spleen weights were noted.
All these findings were reversible after 4-weeks recovery period except for the kidney weight of
the females, but it was considered to be of no toxicological importance by the investigators as no
relevant microscopic findings were noted.
Concerning microscopic examinations, no findings of toxicological relevance were noted at the
low dose level. In the 200 mg/kg/day group, minimal to slight hemosiderosis was noted in the
spleen. In the high dose group, minimal to moderate accumulation of acidophilic globules in the
cortical tubular epithelium of the kidneys were recorded and were considered to be treatmentrelated. In the 200 mg/kg/day and in the 1000 mg/kg/day groups, minimal to slight
hemosiderosis and some extramedullary hemopoiesis were noted in the spleen. Except for the
hemosiderosis in the spleen and the dying effects in the high dose group, all findings were
reversible during the recovery period.
Based on these results, the NOAEL (No-Observed-Adverse-Effect-Level) of Henna Rot was
established to be 40 mg/kg bw.
Ref. : 3
2.4.
Irritation & corrosivity
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Evaluation and opinion on : Lawsonia inermis, Henna
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2.4.1.
Irritation (skin)
Guideline
Species/strain
Group size
Test substance
Batch no
Dose
GLP
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
OECD 402 (1987)
Wistar rat
5 male and 5 female
Not given, report not available
Not given
2 g/kg bw
Not given
The test was performed to assess acute dermal toxicity. No skin irritation was noticed during the
observation period.
Ref. : 2
2.4.2.
Irritation (mucous membranes)
Guideline
Species/strain
Group size
Test substance
Batch no
Dose
GLP
:
:
:
:
:
:
:
OECD guideline 405 (1987)
New Zealand white rabbit
3 rabbits, 6 not specified
Henna Rot
830.72
0.1 ml of the test material, approximately 58 mg
QA statement included
The test substance was applied into the conjunctival sack of the right eye of 3 rabbits, without
rinsing. The left eye served as control and was untreated. Ocular reactions were recorded at
1 hour and 1-3 days after instillation.
No adverse corneal affects were noted. Iridial inflammation and moderate conjunctival irritation
was observed up to a maximum of 48 respectively 72 hours. All treated eyes appeared normal on
day 7. The test material produced a maximum mean score of 17.0 and was classified as a
moderate irritant (class 5 on a 1-8 scale) to the rabbit eye. The results were interpreted and
classified as “a non-irritant” to the rabbit eye.
Ref. : 4
2.5.
Sensitisation
Buehler-delayed contact hypersensitivity study
Guideline
Species/strain
Group size
:
:
:
Test substance
Batch no
:
:
OECD 406 (1981)
Dunkin Hartley guinea pigs
4 guinea pigs were used for pilot study to select the concentration used
for topical induction and topical challenge. Main study included 20 tests
and 10 control animals
Henna Rot
830.72
6
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Evaluation and opinion on : Lawsonia inermis, Henna
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Concentration
:
GLP
:
Topical induction
:
Topical challenge
:
QA statement included
50% (w/w) in petrolatum jelly B.P.
50% (w/w) in petrolatum jelly B.P.
A topical application (0.5 ml) of the test material was applied on absorbent lint (approximate
size 15 mm x 35 mm) which was occluded for 6 hours under a strip of Blenderm tape and further
secured with an elastic adhesive bandage wound in a double layer around the torso of each
animal. The induction procedure was repeated on the same site on days 7 and 14 for a total of
three 6-hour exposures.
Challenge was performed on day 28, an area approximately 50 mm x 70 mm on the right flank of
each animal was clipped, and 0.5 ml of the test material was applied on absorbent lint
(approximate size 15 ml x 30 ml) occluded with Blenderm tape and an adhesive bandage.
Approximately 24 and 48 hours after dressing removal test reactions were quantified using a 4point ranking scale.
No adverse reactions were noted, and the test material was classified as a non sensitiser to guinea
pig skin.
Ref. : 5
Repeated insult patch test in humans
Repeated insult patch testing according to a modified protocol as described by Shelanski and
Shelanski, Proc. Sci. T.G.A., 19, 46-49, 1953; Ludwig J. Soc. Cosm. Chem. 27, 345-349, 1976
was performed with Henna Rot, Batch no 830.72, on a panel of 10 volunteers. Test concentration
was 10% in petrolatum. No skin changes were observed in the test area of any of the volunteers
at any time during the 3 weeks of testing and challenge. Further details on the test procedure
were not given. The investigators concluded that the test preparation is not irritating and is not
likely to cause allergic reactions.
Ref. : 6
Experience under specific conditions in humans
The submission includes 3 references on side effects experienced in humans under intended
usage of henna.
A beautician with known allergy to house dust experienced rhinoconjunctivitis, asthma, and
once generalised urticaria after exposure to henna. The symptoms increased in severity after
continued exposure. Scratch tests with henna powder were strongly positive. By thin-layerchromatography the red colour and 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone were isolated from the
extract. These materials gave negative scratch tests. The result showed that the antigen is neither
the quinone nor the red colour but an undertermined impurity.
Ref. : 7
As reported in the literature, Henna is widely used as a hair dye in some countries like India and
Egypt and also for skin paintings in ceremonies. Under such excessive conditions of skin contact
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the reported effects of contact allergies are considered very rare by the authors. Two case reports
from India describe allergic contact dermatitis from henna.
Ref. : 8 , 9
A literature search of Pub Med, April 2001, using the search phrase: “henna and allergy”
revealed a number of other scientific reports on immediate type reactions and contact dermatitis
caused by henna:
A case is reported of a hairdresser who developed an immediate type hypersensitivity with
urticaria, rhinitis, and bronchial asthma on exposure to henna. Prick tests with henna 1% in aqua
and in ethanol showed positive reactions. Both patch tests and prick tests performed with the dye
in henna, Lawsone or 2-hydroxy-1.4-naphthoquinone, which is supposed to be an allergen gave
negative results. These data suggest that not only 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, but also other
still undetermined ingredients of the henna powder should be considered as possible allergens.
Ref. : 10
Poisoning by a mixture of henna dye and para-phenylenediamine dyes caused hospitalisation of
31 Sudanese children between 1984 and 1989. There was a characteristic clinical presentation.
All children presented with an acute and severe angioneurotic oedema and 15 of the cases
required emergency tracheostomy for respiratory obstruction. Acute renal failure occurred in 5
children who recovered after peritoneal dialysis. Mortality was high, in all 13 deaths occurred
within 24 hours of presentation. Hypotensive shock gave a poor prognosis. It is possible that
similar cases may be occurring unrecognised where henna is traditionally used. A program of
public education and restriction of use of para-phenylenediamine is urgently required in the
Sudan and other affected nations. Injection was accidental in 12 children, deliberate in 1 and
homocidal in 3 cases. Cutaneous absorption was likely in the remaining 6 cases.
Ref. : 11
2.6.
Teratogenicity
The product Henna Rot was administered by daily gavage to 100 pregnant female Sprague
Dawley rats on day 6 through 15 of gestation at the dose levels of 40, 200 and 1000 mg/kg/day
body weight and at a constant dose volume of 10 ml/kg/day according to the OECD N°414
(1981). A control group was administered with the vehicle alone, a 0.5 % aqueous solution of
methylcellulose. Pregnant animals were killed on day 20 of gestation ; macroscopic
examinations of the dams were performed, visceral and skeletal malformations were recorded on
the foetuses. No clinical signs, no abortions and no mortalities were recorded in any female of
any group during the study. However, a very slight but significant decrease of body weight gain
and food consumption was observed with the dams receiving 1000 mg/kg/day and was
considered by investigators treatment-related. Pre and post-implantation loss, foetal body weight
and sex-ratio were similar between control and all treated groups. At the external examination,
no treatment-related anomalies or malformations were observed. In the highest dose group, two
foetuses revealed dilatation of cerebral ventricles (lateral ones or 3rd one) and one foetus
revealed cleft palate. At the skeletal examinations, reduced ossification of the pubic bone and
cleft palate in one foetus were noted in the 200 mg/kg/day group ; a significant reduced
ossification of caudal vertebra and unossification of the 5th sternebra and the caudal vertebra, an
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increase in reduced ossification of the 1st to 4th metatarsals and of the pubic bone were noted in
the 1000 mg/kg/day group. These foetal findings recorded at 200 and 1000 mg/kg/day were
considered by investigators to be probably treatment-related.
Under the experimental conditions adopted, the NOAEL of the test product, Henna Rot, was
established at 200 mg/kg/day for the pregnant female rats and at 40 mg/kg/day for the rats
foetuses.
Ref. : 12
2.7. Toxicokinetics (incl. Percutaneous Absorption)
Percutaneous absorption in vitro
Guideline
Tissue
Method
Test substance
:
:
:
:
Batch no
Dose levels
:
:
Replicate cells
GLP
:
:
Not available
Isolated pig skin, frozen samples (-20°)
Permeation chambers (flow through system)
2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (C146) (purity 98%) and 25% Lawsonia
powder in aqueous preparation
Not given
2% C146 ethanol
1% C146 in Koleston 2000 (16 hours)
10% C146 in Koleston 200
25% C146 in aqueous preparation
25% Lawsonia powder in aqueous preparation
5 experiments with a total of 30 permeation chambers
Study not in compliance
The preparation of the skin pieces is not described in detail in the report. The skin pieces were
fixed in permeation cells and 0.1 g/cm2 of the formulation was exposed for 30 minutes. Then the
residues were removed by a spatula and the skin was washed using water and no shampoo. After
an incubation time of 72 hours percutaneous permeation was determined. After extraction, the
amounts of 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone were measured by HPLC.
In the experiments using aqueous 25% Lawsonia inermis to resemble intended use conditions, 2hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (Lawsone) permeated though pig skin in vitro. After an exposure
time of 30 minutes and a follow-up period of 72 hours only 0.28% of the applied dose of 2hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone was found in receptor fluid and 0.006 ± 0.003% in the skin. The
results correspond to a permeation of 703 ± 232 µg/cm2.
The efficiency of the method was documented by experiments using 2-hydroxy-1,4naphthoquinone. However, the study did not include determination of recovery of the test
substance. Water was used as a receptor fluid, which may not be adequate for a relatively
lipophilic substance.
The study is considered inadequate according to the SCCNFP Notes of Guidance.
Ref. : 13
Percutaneous absorption in vivo
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Guideline
Test animal
Test substance
:
:
:
Batch no
Dose levels
:
:
GLP
:
None available
Sprague Dawley rats (HIM: OFA, SPF), 5 males and 5 females
1.5% of 14C labelled 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone mixed with 23.5%
henna powder and 75% de-ionised water and formulated into a paste
shortly before application, and in a third study 25 mg/ml of 14C labelled
2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone dissolved in DMSO/water 3:1.
Not given
Cutaneous formulations : 0.509 and 0.517 g/animal, and 0.85 and 0.86
mg/cm²
Cutaneous solutions of test substance 0.318 g/animal, 0.88 mg/cm²
not given
Two experiments were performed with the formulation, one with a sampling time of 72 hours
and one with a sampling time of 24 hours. The formulation was spread with a spatula to an area
of 3 x 3 cm to the dorsal, median thoracic to lumbar area. The solution was applied and spread
evenly until the skin was wetted. The formulation or the solution was left for 40 minutes and
then rinsed off. The animals were anaesthetised and held tightly during the contact period.
The treated areas were covered, and the rats subsequently placed into the metabolism cages.
Animals in both studies were sacrificed after 72 hours and samples were drawn from rinsing
water, treated skin, urine, faeces, organs, carcasses.
The mean percutaneous absorption of Lawsone was 0.20% of the administered activity for the
formulation and 5.5% for the solution. The 14C labelled substance was excreted mainly via urine
(86-89% of the eliminated radioactivity) and to a lesser extent via faeces (11-14% of the
eliminated radioactivity). Within the first 24 hours the mean excretion was 91-93% of the
eliminated radioactivity. In the group exposed to the paste mean radioactivity levels of blood
and the 14 analysed organs were all near or below the detection limit at 72 hours after
application.
Relatively highest concentrations were found in blood, kidneys and ovaries ; lowest in muscle,
heart and femur.
The study seems to be acceptable. However, the full report should be provided.
Ref. : 14
2.8.
Mutagenicity/Genotoxicity
2.8.1.
Mutagenicity/Genotoxicity in vitro
Bacterial Gene Mutation test
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Henna Rot has been tested for mutagenicity potential in vitro on Salmonella typhimurium
5 strains (TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537, TA1538) according to OECD 471 (1983), using a
plate incorporation protocol. Liver S9 fraction from rats (pre-treated with Phenobarbital and βNaphthoflavone) was used as the exogenous metabolic activation system. The concentration
range was selected following a preliminary study which showed no toxicity up to a dose of
5000 µg/plate.
There were no significant increases in revertants in any of the tested strains, with or without S9
metabolic activation. The positive control agents gave the expected results. Concentrations were
between 50 – 500 µg/plate ± S9.
No information was provided about the composition of the test substance.
No conclusions can be drawn about the potential mutagenicity in vitro of this hair dye on the
bacterial gene mutation assay.
Ref. : 15
Henna Rot was tested on Salmonella typhimurium TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537, TA1538.
(S9 mix from rat liver + Aroclor) TA98, TA100, TA1535, TA1537, TA1538, and streptomycin
resistant strains because the test material was contaminated with bacteria at concentrations
higher than 5000 µg/plate.
Concentrations used were 50 to 5000 µg/plate ± S9 mix.
There were no significant increases in revertants in any of the tester strains and protocols, with
or without metabolic activation. The positive control agents gave the expected results.
No information was provided about the composition of the test substance and its bacterial
contamination.
No conclusions can be drawn about the potential mutagenicity in vitro of this hair dye on the
bacterial gene mutation assay.
Ref. : 16
Mammalian Cell Gene Mutation assay
Henna Rot was tested for mutagenicity potential in vitro on Chinese Hamster V79 cells
according to OECD 476 (1984) for the induction of gene mutation at the locus HPRT in the
presence and absence of S9 metabolic activation system provided by rat livers pre-treated with
Aroclor.
Concentrations were : 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, 200 µg/ml (-S9), 10-1000 µg/ml, 10-3000 µg/ml (+S9).
Henna was toxic at 200 µg/ml in the absence of a metabolic activation system ; no toxicity was
observed in the presence of a metabolic activation system.
There were no increases with statistical significance on the mutation frequency observed in all
evaluable doses, although in the presence of a metabolic activation system in a replicate
experiment some increases were observed without a dose related effect.
No information was provided about the composition of the test substance.
No conclusions can be drawn about the potential mutagenicity in vitro of this hair dye on the in
vitro mammalian gene mutation assay.
Ref. : 17
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Henna Rot was tested for mutagenicity potential in vitro on Mouse lymphoma L5176Y cells
according to OECD 476 and EEC/87/302 for the induction of gene mutation at the locus TK in
the presence and absence of a metabolic activation system provided by rat livers pre-treated with
Aroclor.
Concentrations doses were from 78.13 to 1250 µg/ml in both two experiment.
There was a dose-related response in the induced mutant frequencies both with and without S9 in
the presence of Henna rot in two repeated independent experiments.
Positive controls gave the expected results.
It can be concluded that the batch 830.72 of Henna rot, whose composition is unknown, is
mutagenic in the in vitro mammalian gene mutation assay.
Ref. : 18
Mammalian cytogenetic assay in human lymphocytes
Henna Rot was tested for mutagenicity/genotoxicity potential in vitro on human lymphocytes
according to OECD 473 (1981) and EEC 84/449 for the induction of chromosome aberrations ;
in the absence and presence of S9 metabolic activation system by rat livers pre-treated with
Aroclor.
There was a dose-related inhibition of the mitotic index at 20 hours of harvest. Henna Rot
induced a statistically significant increase in the frequency of cells with chromosome aberrations
(excluding gaps) in the presence of S9 in both cultures at the maximum evaluable dose.
Positive controls gave the expected results.
Concentrations were 78 – 625 µg/ml in the absence of S9 ; 12501 µg/ml in the presence of S9.
It can be concluded that the batch 830.72 of Henna rot, whose composition is not known, is
mutagenic in the in vitro human lymphocytes cytogenetic assay.
Ref. : 19
In vitro Sister Chromatid Exchange Assay in Mammalian Cells
Henna Rot of unspecified purity was tested for genotoxicity potential in vitro on Chinese
hamster cell line (CHO) according to OECD (1986) for the induction of Sister Chromatid
Exchange, in the absence and presence of S9 metabolic activation system provided by rat liver
pre-treated with Aroclor.
Concentrations were 25 – 100 µg/ml in the absence of S9, 200 – 800 µg/ml in the presence of
S9.
In the absence of S9 24h and 3h exposed cells were analysed ; in the presence of S9 3h exposed
cells only was analysed. There was a reduction of the mitotic index at the high concentration
tested in the two performed experimental procedures.
There was no increase of the SCE frequencies in all treated conditions of Henna rot tested on
CHO cell line.
The positive controls gave the expected results. No information was provided about the
composition of the test substance.
No conclusions can be drawn about the potential genotoxicity in vitro of this hair of dye on the
in vitro mammalian Sister Chromatid Exchange.
Ref. : 20
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2.8.2.
Mutagenicity/Genotoxicity in vivo
Mouse bone marrow micronucleus test
Henna Rot was tested in vivo on mice treated via i.p. for mutagenicity/genotoxicity potential for
the induction of micronucleated cells in the bone marrow cells three times after treatment (24,
48, 72 hours) according to OECD 474 (1983).
Dose levels of 0 and 300 mg/kg bw were injected i.p to 5 CD1 mice of each sex.
A significant increase in the Normochromatic polychromatic erythrocytes ratio was observed in
Henna rot treated mice.
The positive control gave the expected results (cyclophosphamide 50 mg/kg).
There was no increase in the number of PCE with micronuclei in the bone marrow cells of the
treated mice sacrificed 24, 48 and 72 hours.
No information was provided about the composition of the test substance.
No conclusions can be drawn about the potential mutagenicity/genotoxicity in vivo of this hair
dye on the induction of micronuclei in the bone marrow cells of mice, due to the inadequacy
mentioned.
Ref. : 21
2.9.
Carcinogenicity
No data available
2.10.
Special investigations
No data available
2.11.
Safety evaluation
CALCULATION OF THE MARGIN OF SAFETY
()
(Non-oxidative)
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NOT APPLICABLE
Based on a usage volume of … ml, containing at maximum … %
Maximum amount of ingredient applied
Typical body weight of human
Maximum absorption through the skin
Dermal absorption per treatment
Systemic exposure dose (SED)
No observed adverse effect level (mg/kg)
(species, route of application)
Margin of Safety
2.12.
I (mg)
A (%)
IxA
I x A / 60 kg
NOAEL
=
=
=
=
=
=
mg
60 kg
%
mg
mg
mg/kg bw
NOAEL / SED =
Conclusions
Lawsonia inermis (Henna Rot) is not properly characterised. It is derived from dried powdered
leaves of the specified plant and is intended to be used as a hair dye at a maximal concentration
of 20 %, based on the staining properties of the main active ingredient 2-hydroxy-1,4naphthoquinone.
*
Lawsonia inermis is not irritant for the rabbit skin and eye. Lawsonia inermis 10 % in
petrolatum was considered not irritating on human skin after repeated insult patch tests.
*
Lawsonia inermis can be considered a weak sensitiser in the conditions of use. Few case
reports on contact allergies are published.
*
Based on the results obtained from the sub-chronic toxicity study conducted by oral route
in the rat, the NOAEL of 40 mg/kg/day for embryo-toxicity and of 200 mg/kg/day for maternal
toxicity was obtained.
*
Several mutagenicity/genotoxicity assays have been performed. Positive reactions were
observed only with mouse lymphoma assay and with metaphase analysis in human lymphocytes
assay. Negative results have been observed with all other in vitro tests and with the in vivo
micronucleus test in mice. However, Henna Rot contains 1,4-naphthoquinone which appears to
be a genotoxic chemical. Moreover, the sample of Henna Rot which has been submitted to all
mutagenicity assays (batch n° 830.72) has not been properly characterised.
Further in vivo genotoxicity tests are needed.
2.13.
Opinion
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Evaluation and opinion on : Lawsonia inermis, Henna
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Henna Rot contains normally 1 to 2 % of 2-Hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone. This chemical has
been evaluated separately by the SCCNFP (doc. n° SCCNFP/0583/02, final).
The present submission I on Lawsonia inermis is inadequate.
Before any further consideration, a full and adequate dossier would be required, including :
*
specifications of the substance tested and marketed, and
*
adequate in vivo genotoxicity data on natural henna containing the maximum amount of 2Hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone.
2.14.
References
1.
Safepharm Laboratories Limited, Project Number: 338/9 (16.11.1990) Henna Rot : Acute
oral toxicity (Limit test) in the rat (Report R 9600378)
2.
RCC N° Tox Project 090236 (02.04.1993) Assessment of acute dermal toxicity with
Henna
Rot in the rat (Report RT 930112)
3.
Centre International de Toxicologie (C.I.T.) Lab Study N°: 11297 TCR (12.5.1995) 13week toxicity study by oral route in rats with a 4-week recovery period (Report R
9600381)
4.
Safepharm Laboratories Limited, Project Number: 338/10 (14.11.1990) Henna Rot : Acute
eye irritation test in the rabbit (Report R 9600379)
5.
Safepharm Laboratories Limited, Project Number: 338/7 (23.11.1990) Henna Rot :
Buehler-delayed contact hypersensitivity study in the guinea pig (Report R 9600380)
6.
Hoting, E. (26.11.1990) Hautverträglichkeitsprüfung; unpublished data (Schwarzkopf)
(Report R 9600412)
7.
Frosch, P.J. and Hausen, B.M., Allergologie, 9, 351-353 (1986)
8.
Nigam, P.K.and Saxena A.K. Contact Dermatitis, 18, 55-56 (1988)
9.
Pasricha, J.S. et al. (1980) Contact Dermatitis, 6, 288-289
10. Majoie IM., Bruynzeel DP. Occupational immediate-type hypersensitivity to henna in a
hairdresser. Am J Contact Dermat, 7; 38-40, 1996
11. Sir Hashim M et al Poisoning from henna dye and para-phenylenediamine mixtures in
children in Khartoum. Ann Trop Paediatr, 12; 3-6, 1992.
12. Centre International de Toxicologie (C.I.T.) Study N°: 11695 RSR (12.05.1995)
Embryotoxicity / teratogenicity study by oral route in rats (Report R 9600392)
13. Cosmital SA, Projekt-Nr. 7256/46 (12.2.1992) Die Kutanpermeation von 2-hydroxy-1,4naphtochinon nach Applikation auf Schweinehaut in vitro (Report R 9600407)
14. Forschungszentrum Seibersdorf, OEFZS-A-2498 (04.02.1993) Toxicokinetics of 2hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (Report R 9600393)
15. FhG-ITA (Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Aerosol Research, Hannover) study N°
G90/18 (28.11.1990) Salmonella / Microsome mutagenicity test with Henna Rot
(Report R 9600382)
16. FhG-ITA (Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Aerosol Research, Hannover) study N°
G91/19 (24.2.1992) Salmonella / Microsome mutagenicity test with Henna Rot (Report R
9600383)
17. FhG-ITA (Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Aerosol Research, Hannover) study N°
G94/12 (18.10.1994) In Vitro Mammalian Cell HRPT-Test (V79 Chinese Hamster Cells)
15
SCCNFP/0505/01, final
Evaluation and opinion on : Lawsonia inermis, Henna
____________________________________________________________________________________________
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
(Report R 9600384)
Safepharm Laboratories Limited, Project Number: 297/5 (25.2.1992) Henna Rot: OECD
476, Mutation of L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells at the thymidine kinase TK+/-locus;
Fluctuation Assay (Report R 9600385)
Safepharm Laboratories Limited, Project Number: 297/6 (17.2.1992) Henna Rot:
Metaphase analysis in human lymphocytes in vitro (Report R 9600389)
FhG-ITA (Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Aerosol Research, Hannover) study N°
94/4 CM (1995) In Vitro Sister chromatid exchange assay in mammalian cells with Henna
Rot (Report R 9600387)
Safepharm Laboratories Limited, Project Number: 436/4 (26.2.1992) Henna Rot :
Micronucleus test in the mouse (Report R 9600390)
Annex : “Produktspezifikation für Lawsonia Folium” “Plant preparations used as
ingredients of cosmetic products”
16